In celebration of Earth Month, we’re highlighting a brand that has been putting eco-friendly practices at the forefront of their business. Yes, the notion of sustainable fashion often feels like an oxymoron, but there are several creators who are thoughtfully sharing their craft with the world. Meet Shilpi Yadav, who has championed a timeless approach that encourages shoppers to buy better, not more. Of course, the fashion industry as a whole has a lot of work to do, but here is a label and a voice in fashion that is dedicated to making long-lasting change. In conversation with the founder and creative brainchild, Shilpi Yadav of Khara Kapas, which is celebrating its tenth year.
How easy or hard has it been for ten years of following the sustainable route?
Sustainability, for me, is not a checklist or a work practice, it’s a way of life. It’s something I live and breathe every day. From the very beginning, Khara Kapas was rooted in this belief. We didn’t just build a sustainable label; we nurtured a lifestyle that honors mindful consumption and conscious creation. Over the years, I’ve realized that sustainability isn’t a destination, it’s an ongoing journey. Everyday is an invitation to pause, reassess, and find better, kinder ways to do what we do - whether it’s finding an alternative material, optimising processes to reduce waste, or simply being more thoughtful in our choices, there’s always something new to learn. I’ve committed to being a student of nature, constantly evolving to align more closely with it.
Have you and your aesthetics evolved in the last ten years? Can you talk a little about it?
Absolutely. My aesthetic has grown with me, matured with my life experiences, and evolved beautifully alongside the brand. Over the years, Khara Kapas has transitioned towards a more refined, timeless visual language, one that is understated yet confident. Our designs have become more staple, more versatile, comfort driven with an effortless hint of glam. We design keeping real women in mind, women of all ages and body types who live rich, layered lives.
Motherhood, in particular, has been a transformative lens. Having become a mother twice during this journey, I now view fabric, fit, and form through a more empathetic lens. Our silhouettes are crafted to move with you- whether you’re in the thick of motherhood, at a boardroom table, or unwinding on vacation. Clothes should comfort you, empower you, and accentuate your inner confidence. That’s the heart of my evolving aesthetic.
What learnings have helped you in the last decade that you would like to share with someone who wants to imbibe the slow fashion way of creating?
Slow fashion is not just a design approach; it’s about how you live. To build mindfully, one must first learn to live mindfully. I always begin with the basics - what do I truly need, and how can I create something that adds value rather than excess? Every piece we design is meant to accompany you through the day, from a relaxed morning to a high-energy work meeting, and even an evening gathering where you want to make a statement.
We focus on creating timeless pieces with versatile cuts - clothes that travel with you, evolve with you, and grow old with you. That’s the essence of slow fashion: not seasonal trends, but enduring style. If I were to offer advice, I’d say: move at your own pace, trust your gut, and design not just for the eye, but for the soul.
Tell us what’s new at Khara Kapas and how the garments talk about the coming of the new season?
We’re excited to share a collection that’s very close to my heart. This season’s prints are directly inspired by my latest artwork series. These are hand-painted artworks I created during and after my recent travels, drawing from natural landscapes and fleeting moments. There's a balance of serenity and boldness - florals, abstract, and everything in between; each piece telling a story. Spring, for me, is about renewal and expression, and this collection captures that spirit beautifully. We’re also launching a capsule menswear line, a project that we've been quietly working on behind the scenes. It carries forward the same ethos of simplicity, comfort, and timelessness that Khara Kapas stands for, now extended to a new audience.
How does your creative process start? Does it begin with sketching or choosing the fabric or the colours first?
It always begins with art. Painting is my first language of expression. Whenever I’m not designing or running the business, you’ll find me in my studio, lost in brushstrokes. My watercolour artworks, particularly the florals and abstract forms, often serve as the genesis for a collection. They reflect what I’m observing at that moment, whether it’s the mood of a new city I visited or the light falling on leaves at dusk. My creative process is deeply intuitive. The interplay of colour, texture, and emotion on paper slowly begins to shape the palette, fabric selection, and even the silhouettes of the final garments. It’s an organic evolution, what begins as an art piece eventually becomes wearable art.
What inspires you?
Inspiration for me lives in the quiet moments - long walks, solo travels, silent mornings in the studio. I’m deeply observant and curious, always noticing patterns, frames, shadows, and textures that many might overlook. Architecture, local crafts, everyday people - there’s inspiration everywhere if you pause to see. Photography and painting are my ways of recording these observations. I often take photos of interesting frames, or just pick up a brush and translate the moment into colour. My studio is my sacred space - it grounds me, energises me, and keeps me in flow. I try to spend at least half an hour a day painting. That ritual, however small, is my daily act of self-discovery and creativity. In the end, I consume art, life, and emotion to keep creating, and that’s what keeps the magic alive at Khara Kapas.
Words Hansika Lohani
Date 23.04.2025